A Father's Guidance

Van Gen sat quietly in the small living room, his eyes fixed on his father as Aric took a seat across from him. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension, and Van could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He knew what was coming—the conversation he had been dreading ever since he saw his father waiting at the door.

Aric looked at his son with a mixture of concern and curiosity, his deep blue eyes searching Van's face for answers. Finally, he broke the silence.

"What were you doing in the woods, Van?" Aric asked, his voice calm but firm.

Van hesitated, his mind racing for a plausible excuse. "I was… playing," he replied, trying to keep his tone light, though he knew it sounded unconvincing.

Aric's expression didn't change. "I don't think so," he said, his voice even. "I saw what you were doing, Van. I saw you training."

Van's heart sank, guilt washing over him. He had been caught, and there was no point in lying any further. His father's eyes were too sharp, too knowing. He looked down at his hands, unable to meet Aric's gaze. "I'm sorry, Father," he said softly. "I just… I just want to be strong."

Aric sighed, his expression softening as he saw the sincerity in Van's words. "Van, you're still a child," he said gently. "You don't need to be in such a hurry to grow up. Don't try to do what adults are doing. Your body is still developing—you need to take it easy."

Van nodded, feeling a mixture of shame and relief. "I just… I don't want to be weak," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aric leaned forward, placing a reassuring hand on Van's shoulder. "You're not weak, Van. And you don't need to push yourself so hard to prove that. If you want to be strong, we'll do it the right way. From now on, I'll train you myself."

Van's eyes widened in surprise. "Really, Dad? You'll train me?"

Aric smiled, seeing the excitement in his son's eyes. "Yes, really. But we'll take it slow, and we'll do it together. You don't need to do this alone."

Van's heart swelled with gratitude and joy. Even though he knew he didn't need help with his training—he had knowledge and experience far beyond his years, after all—there was something about the idea of training with his father that filled him with happiness. It was a chance to bond, to share something meaningful with the man he admired so much.

"Thank you, Dad!" Van exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.

Aric chuckled and ruffled Van's hair. "You're welcome, son. But there's something else I need to tell you." He paused, his expression growing more serious as he stood up. "Van, don't tell your mom yet, but I've been accepted into the Aetherian Guard."

Van's eyes widened in genuine surprise this time. "Really, Dad? The Aetherian Guard?" He knew the significance of that name—it was an elite force, composed of the best soldiers in the kingdom, tasked with defending Aetheria and its people.

Aric nodded, pride evident in his voice. "Yes, son. It's a great honor, but it also means I'll be leaving soon for training."

Van's excitement was tempered by a pang of sadness. "But, Dad… where are you going? How long will you be gone?"

Aric's expression softened as he saw the concern in his son's eyes. "I'll be stationed at the capital, Valoria, for most of the time. But don't worry, Van—I'll still come back to visit you and your mother whenever I can."

Van bit his lip, processing the news. *When I'm seven, he'll be gone.* But then he remembered what his father had said about visiting, and his heart lightened a little. "I'll miss you, Dad," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion.

Aric knelt down to Van's level, his eyes serious but filled with love. "I'll miss you too, Van. But this is important for our family. And while I'm gone, you'll have to be strong—for your mother and for yourself."

Van nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his small shoulders. "I understand, Dad. I'll be strong. I promise."

Aric smiled, pride evident in his expression. "That's my boy. But remember, we'll still have time together before I leave. We'll train, we'll play, and we'll make the most of it."

Van's heart lifted at the thought of the time they still had. "Okay, Dad. And… can we surprise Mom with the news when she gets back?"

Aric's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I think that's a great idea. But remember, don't tell her what I saw today. If she finds out, she'll be mad at both of us, and there won't be any more training."

Van giggled, the tension of the conversation melting away. "Thank you, Dad. I won't tell her."

---

**Father and Son:**

The rest of the day was filled with the kind of bonding that Van cherished deeply. After their conversation, Aric and Van spent time together in the small backyard. Aric showed Van some basic combat stances, guiding his movements with gentle corrections. Though Van already knew these techniques, he pretended to learn them for the first time, delighting in the shared experience with his father.

They laughed together as Aric playfully teased Van, challenging him to a mock duel with wooden swords. Van couldn't help but let his guard down, enjoying the simplicity of the moment. For a while, he allowed himself to be just a child, playing with his father, soaking in the love and pride that radiated from Aric.

When the sun began to set, they went back inside, where Aric prepared a special meal to celebrate the news. They didn't have much, but Aric cooked up a hearty stew with the fresh vegetables he had brought from the market, and he even surprised Van with a small loaf of honeyed bread—Van's favorite.

Later, when Seraphina returned from visiting a neighbor, she was greeted by the sight of her husband and son grinning from ear to ear. They had set the table with care, and the warm, inviting smell of the stew filled the house.

"What's this?" Seraphina asked, her eyes brightening as she looked at the two of them. "A celebration? Did something happen?"

Van looked up at his father, who gave him a small nod. "Go on, Van. Tell her."

Van's eyes sparkled with excitement as he turned to his mother. "Mama, guess what! Dad's been accepted into the Aetherian Guard!"

Seraphina's eyes widened in shock, and then they filled with tears of joy. "Oh, Aric! That's wonderful news! I'm so proud of you!" She rushed forward, embracing her husband tightly.

Aric wrapped his arms around her, his expression warm and loving. "Thank you, Seraphina. It's a big step for us, but I know it's the right one."

They all sat down together to enjoy the meal, the room filled with laughter and joy. Van watched his parents, feeling a deep sense of contentment. He knew that he had more strength than they could ever imagine, but in this moment, surrounded by the love of his family, he was happy to simply be Van Gen, the son of Aric and Seraphina.

As they ate, Aric and Seraphina shared stories, and Van listened intently, absorbing every word. The bond between them felt stronger than ever, and as the night wore on, Van's heart swelled with pride and happiness.

Later that night, as Van lay in bed, he reflected on everything that had happened. His father's acceptance into the Aetherian Guard, the promise of training together, and the secret they now shared—all of it filled him with a sense of purpose. He was determined to grow stronger, not just for himself, but for his family.

And as he drifted off to sleep, Van knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would face them with the strength and love that his parents had given him. The future was uncertain, but with his father's guidance and his mother's unwavering support, Van felt ready to take on whatever came his way.